A Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, has issued an arrest warrant for Dr. Bright Echefu, a businessman and CEO of Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited, over allegations of fraud amounting to $651,280.
The court’s order follows allegations that Echefu defrauded BCG NEEDS Company under the pretense of ordering drones and accessories. According to the complainant, Echefu’s company, Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited, issued a Local Purchase Order (Ref: BIFC/LPO/TS/ABJ/088106) on October 21, 2022, for the supply of drones worth $651,280. However, after the goods were delivered, Echefu allegedly became unreachable and failed to make payment, despite numerous demands.
Echefu, who is also the Managing Director of Telecom Satellite Television (TSTV), had previously been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for tax evasion, money laundering, and advanced fee fraud.
John Paul Eze Esq. of O. J Law Consult filed the motion for an arrest warrant. Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke granted the request, ordering that a bench warrant be issued against Echefu and his company in accordance with Section 113 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The case has been adjourned to December 9, 2024.
In addition to the fraud charges, Echefu and other associates face a separate case at the Federal High Court (FHC/ABJ/CR/254/2023) involving allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. The charges stem from the diversion of funds intended for tax payments, including N33.9 million, N13.5 million, and N19.4 million, which were allegedly misappropriated for personal use by Echefu and his companies in breach of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
